Kitchen design
Kitchen Corner Cupboards: Getting at What Is in the Back
The corner is where saucepans go to be forgotten. Carousels, pull-outs, corner drawers and blind-corner fittings compared.
Ad: this guide contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you (how we make money).
Every L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen has at least one corner cupboard, and it is usually the hardest one to use. The right fitting turns that dead space into some of the most useful storage in the room.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Corner fittings compared
| Fitting | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carousel (lazy Susan) | Round shelves rotate | Tins, jars, small pans | Wastes the square corners |
| Swing-out (kidney or "Le Mans") shelves | Curved shelves swing out of the door | Pans and heavy items | Higher cost |
| "Magic corner" pull-out | Front baskets slide out and pull the back ones forward | Using every bit of space | Many moving parts |
| Corner drawers | Angled drawers into the corner | Seeing everything at once | Needs a dedicated corner unit |
| Plain shelves | Nothing to go wrong | Rarely used items | Reaching to the back |
Tips
- Measure the door opening and hinge clearance before ordering any fitting.
- Put heavy pans lower and things you use daily nearest the door.
- Wall-cupboard corners suit open shelving or a glazed corner cabinet.
Thinking about the whole layout? See kitchen layouts. For more space-saving ideas, see small kitchen ideas.
BeneRecipes may earn a commission from retailer links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Product suggestions are based on published specifications, not hands-on testing. How we work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best corner cupboard solution?
Swing-out and "magic corner" pull-outs use the most space and bring items to you; carousels are cheaper and suit tins and jars.
Can I add a carousel to an existing corner cupboard?
Often, yes. Measure the inside, the door opening and the hinge clearance, and check the fitting suits your cabinet size.
What should go in a corner cupboard?
Things you use less often, or heavy pans if you have a pull-out fitting. Keep daily items in more accessible cupboards.